BLS Syllabus Addendum

Course Technology: Required Equipment and Systems

BLS coursework is completed online. All students need a computer that meets the specifications below. Some courses also include remotely proctored quizzes and exams, which require additional equipment. 

Required for All BLS Courses

GW requires the following minimum system specifications (with recommended specifications in parentheses):

• Processor: 
  • Intel Core i5 (Recommended: Intel Core i5 11th generation [2020] or greater)
  • AMD Ryzen 5 (Recommended: AMD Ryzen 5 3000 series [2021] or greater)
  • Apple M1 (Recommended: M-series)
• Memory (RAM): 8 GB (Recommended: 16 GB)
• Storage: 256 GB SSD
• Operating System: 
  • Windows 10 or higher (Recommended: Windows 11 Version 24H2 or newer)
  • macOS 10.14 or higher (Recommended: macOS 14 [Sonoma] or newer)
• Screen Resolution: 1366 x 768 or higher
• WiFi: WiFi 5 (802.11ac) or newer
• Bandwidth: Minimum 1.5 Mbps download speed, 750 Kbps upload
• Browser: a current, supported web browser. Courses with proctored assessments require Google Chrome; see below.
• Security: 
  • Encryption: Microsoft BitLocker or Apple FileVault
  • Anti-malware: Microsoft Defender or another third-party anti-malware product
  • Firewall: Built-in Firewall Enabled

Additional Equipment Required for Courses with Proctored Assessments

Many BLS programs include courses with remotely proctored assessments. Check your course syllabus to determine if the remote proctoring system is used. If so, you will need to obtain the following equipment before your first proctored quiz or exam in that course.

Proctored assessments use a dual-camera system that monitors you via your microphone and two cameras: a front-facing (built-in) camera and a side-angle (external USB) camera.

• Built-in camera and microphone: Laptop computers often have both. If you use a computer without an integrated camera and microphone, you will need to obtain a USB webcam to serve as the front-facing camera and/or a microphone. The cameras and microphone must be functional and turned on throughout the quiz/exam.
• Side-angle (external) USB camera:
  • This webcam is used to provide a continuous side-angle view of your workspace throughout each proctored assessment.
  • The following devices are not compatible with Honorlock and should NOT be used as the side-angle camera: iPads, phones, Walmart/ONN-branded cameras, Amcrest, and Nexigo. Students should verify compatibility before purchasing.
  • An example of an authorized USB camera can be found at this link: Logitech C270 HD Webcam (Amazon)
• Google Chrome web browser (version 110 or later) with the Honorlock Chrome extension: Google Chrome is the only browser fully compatible with Honorlock. Before starting the exam, Honorlock will automatically request to install the extension on the browser. Honorlock's extension only runs while taking an Honorlock-enabled exam in Blackboard; after each quiz/exam, you can remove the extension if you prefer.
• Dry-Erase Board (8.5 x 11) with a dry-erase pen: The only writing format you will be allowed to use is a whiteboard (not a paper and pen). You must show BOTH the front and back of the blank board at the beginning and the erased board to the camera at the end of the exam.
• A non-programmable handheld calculator: is allowed as long as it is not part of your cell phone or your computer.

Optional Equipment

The following items are not required, but may make it easier to position the side-angle camera:

• USB Extension cable: A USB data-enabled extension cable may be helpful if your computer's USB port is more than a few feet from where you want to position the side-angle camera. Example: Amazon Basics 9.8 ft USB-A 2.0 Extension Cable (Amazon).
• Camera support: The side-angle camera should be placed approximately three feet to the side of your seat on any stable, flat surface. A tripod is not required, but it may facilitate a stable setup and camera positioning. Tripod and camera compatibility may vary depending on the camera used; students are responsible for verifying compatibility.
   

The Honorlock Remote Proctoring System

The BLS department uses Honorlock, an online service that monitors students remotely during quizzes and exams. Not all BLS courses include proctored assessments – review your course syllabus, which states whether yours does. This section applies only to courses that use Honorlock.

Honorlock Details

The Honorlock application records each session, using both cameras, your microphone, and your computer screen. For equipment setup, identity verification, the room scan, and what to do if you lose your connection during an assessment, see the Proctored Online Assessment Guide in your Blackboard course.

To begin a proctored assessment, you will need a valid ID -- a driver's license or college/university student ID. A military ID may not be used, as federal law prohibits copying a military ID.

During quizzes or exams, students are not allowed to have any paper or devices (including tablets, smartphones, etc.) other than their ID card, and any materials the instructor permits, on or near the computer. Camera-enabled or AI-enabled eyewear (such as Ray-Ban Meta glasses or similar "smart" devices) is not permitted in the testing environment. Students must ensure that their computer is not connected to external devices, including phones, tablets, or any other devices, during online assessments, and are expected to disable any Bluetooth handoff connections.

Additionally, no computer applications are allowed to run during online assessments (including minimized or idle applications).

Cellular connections (sometimes used when tethering to a phone when WiFi is unavailable) are NOT permitted during proctored assessments. Students may not use tablets or mobile devices (Chromebooks, netbooks, etc.) for proctored assessments because these devices are currently incompatible with GW's exam-proctoring software. If a student uses an unauthorized form of technology (phone tethering, mobile devices, cellular connections, etc.), they will not be permitted reentry into an exam should they lose connection.

Instructor-permitted materials

Some courses allow a dry-erase board or a non-programmable handheld calculator during assessments, and some do not. Check your course syllabus for what is permitted in your course, and do not bring any item into the testing environment unless your syllabus lists it.

Honorlock Support Center

• Honorlock support is available 24/7/365.
• If you encounter any issues, you may contact Honorlock through live chat on the support page (honorlock.com/support/) or within the quiz/exam itself.

Technology Support and Assistance

GW email, UserID, GWeb Info System, and Blackboard

Contact the GWIT for help with your GW email, GW UserID, GWeb Info System, and basic Blackboard issues.

• Students can reach GWIT support at https://it.gwu.edu/ or 202-994-4948.

Videos & Virtual Simulations

• Please contact your instructor for any video or simulation technical assistance

Course Policies

All policies governing University course proceedings, including student actions, shall be followed. Policies regarding course assignments, grading, and participation that are mentioned in this syllabus shall be enforced as described.

Extra Credit

• The BLS department does not allow extra credit in any courses.

Quality of Work

• All written assignments are to be word-processed with correct grammar and sentence structure and uploaded as a Word or pdf document.
• An 11-12-point font should be used.
• Your name and appropriate identifying information (e.g. date, the name of the course, instructor name) should appear at the top of the first page of the assignment.
• Present your ideas effectively by using appropriate terminology and concentrating on grammar, spelling, appropriate scientific terminology and sentence and paragraph construction.
• Students are expected to remain current with the reading assignments and to integrate this material with the assignments for each weekly session or module and to build on previous knowledge.

Expectations

It is the student’s responsibility to do the following as applicable in your course:

• Monitor your GW email and Blackboard announcements each week for the duration of the semester.
• All questions should be directed to the course instructor. In your email, provide the course number and section.
• Monitor your grades and current course standing weekly throughout the semester. 
• Let the instructor know immediately of your needs and constraints as well as any circumstances that may prevent you from completing assessments (e.g. assignments, quizzes, exams, projects, papers, etc.). Any deadline extension requests must be communicated to the instructor at least 24 hours before the due date. Any requests under the 24 hours may not be approved. Extensions and other course-related requests are not guaranteed.
• Notify your instructor during the first week of the semester regarding course schedule conflicts due to military obligations and/or religious observances. Any notification beyond the first week of classes may not be approved.
• Students in clinical courses should notify your clinical coordinator as soon as possible if you are struggling in your clinical rotations or experience any issues at the facility.
• Answer all questions or discussion points completely and professionally. Entries must clearly reflect the requirements of the assignment.
• Review all assignment directions and associated grading rubrics.
• Complete all assessments by the deadline. Assessments not submitted by the due date without prior approval will get a grade of zero.
• Use a computer with continuous reliable internet and the appropriate browser. Laptop computers must be plugged in to a working power outlet during all assessments. Excuses related to internet, computer availability, or batteries running out/power supply will not be accepted.

Incomplete Grades

• Students with a failing grade are not eligible to receive an incomplete.
• First semester students on academic conditions are not eligible for an incomplete. Contact your advisor to discuss your options PRIOR to requesting an incomplete.
• Incomplete grades are considered for students with documented, extenuating circumstances, such as a death in the immediate family, serious illness or hospitalization.
• Students must contact the instructor to request an incomplete and provide a rationale as well as documentation. Approval for an incomplete is not guaranteed.
• If an incomplete is granted, the student must collaborate with the instructor to generate a learning contract, which must be submitted to the program for approval.

Plagiarism / Collusion

• All work must be completed individually unless specifically noted by the instructor.
• Collusion is prohibited. Collusion is unauthorized collaboration during the preparation or\ completion of any assigned coursework.
• Plagiarism is the intentional or unintentional submission of another's work as one's own without proper acknowledgment, including GAI-generated content. Students must cite any written ideas that are not their own, whether from a fellow student or a published author. Failure to do so will result in a charge of plagiarism (i.e., stealing the words or ideas of another).
• Submission of work previously-used in whole or in part to more than one course or within the same course is prohibited without approval from the instructor.
• Any indication of plagiarism, collusion, and/or cheating will be reported to the office of Conflict Education & Student Accountability (CESA) and will be recommended for a sanction, such as a deduction of points, grade of zero for the assessment, failure of the course, suspension, dismissal, etc.

Academic Integrity

• Academic integrity is an essential part of the educational process, and all members of the GW community take these matters very seriously.
• Violations of academic integrity occur when students fail to cite research sources properly, engage in unauthorized collaboration, falsify data, and otherwise violate the Code of Academic Integrity. Students are prohibited from distributing assignments, answers, and quiz and exam questions on any medium to anyone, including GAI. Media includes but is not limited to: texting, social media, and websites. Any indication of posting or distributing course content as stated above will be reported to CESA and will be recommended for a sanction of a grade of zero, suspension, dismissal, etc.
• Students are prohibited from utilizing Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) tools for completing any assessment, unless otherwise indicated in writing by the instructor. GAI includes but is not limited to websites/software that utilizes GPT or other algorithms. Any indication of unauthorized GAI use will be reported to CESA with an appropriate sanction recommendation, such as a grade of zero.
• Any indication of violating remote proctoring rules during quizzes or exams (i.e., insufficient scan of exam environment, leaving the room, talking, etc.) will result in points being deducted from the professional score (if applicable) and may also result in points being deducted from the assessment grade. Violations will be reported to CESA with a sanction recommendation such as a zero grade for that assessment.
• Any evidence of academic dishonesty during an exam or assignment will be reported to CESA and will be recommended for a sanction of a grade of zero, suspension, dismissal, etc.
• Any repeated evidence of academic dishonesty will be reported to CESA with a sanction recommendation of program dismissal. 
• Questions about whether or not particular academic practices or resources are permitted within this course should be directed to the course instructor.
• For more information on academic integrity, please refer to the CESA office (website https://students.gwu.edu/cesa email cesa [at] gwu [dot] edu (cesa[at]gwu[dot]edu), or call 202-994-6757).

Professionalism and Confidentiality of Proprietary Information

• Students are expected to remain professional, respectful, and courteous in all communications, including emails, video chat, phone calls, discussion board postings, etc.
• Students should not communicate any proprietary and/or confidential information from their present or previous employers and/or organizations. You may discuss any information that is in the public domain (e.g., websites, articles). Please consult your instructor if you have any questions.

University Policies

Academic Integrity Code

Academic integrity is an essential part of the educational process, and all members of the GW community take these matters very seriously. As the instructor of record for this course, my role is to provide clear expectations and uphold them in all assessments. Violations of academic integrity occur when students fail to cite research sources properly, engage in unauthorized collaboration, falsify data, and otherwise violate the Code of Academic Integrity. If you have any questions about whether or not particular academic practices or resources are permitted, you should ask me for clarification. If you are reported for an academic integrity violation, you should contact Conflict Education & Student Accountability (CESA) to learn more about your rights and options in the process. Consequences can range from a warning to expulsion from the university and may include a transcript notation. For more information, please refer to the CESA website, email cesa [at] gwu [dot] edu (cesa[at]gwu[dot]edu), or call 202-994-6757.

University Policy on Observance of Religious Holidays 

Students must notify faculty during the first week of the semester in which they are enrolled in the course, or as early as possible, but no later than three weeks prior to the absence, of their intention to be absent from class on their day(s) of religious observance. If the holiday falls within the first three weeks of class, the student must inform faculty in the first week of the semester. For details and policy, see “Religious Holidays at Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines from the Office of the Provost.

Use of Electronic Course Materials and Class Recordings

Students are encouraged to use electronic course materials, including recorded class sessions, for private personal use in connection with their academic program of study. Electronic course materials and recorded class sessions should not be shared or used for non-course related purposes unless express permission has been granted by the instructor. Students who impermissibly share any electronic course materials are subject to discipline under the Student Code of Conduct. Please contact the instructor if you have questions regarding what constitutes permissible or impermissible use of electronic course materials and/or recorded class sessions. Please contact Disability Support Services if you have questions or need assistance in accessing electronic course materials.

Student Support

Disability Support Services (DSS)

Students requesting academic accommodations are advised to reach out to Disability Support Services as early as possible in the semester for assistance. Please call 202-994-8250, email dss [at] gwu [dot] edu (dss[at]gwu[dot]edu), or visit https://disabilitysupport.gwu.edu. 

Counseling and Psychological Services

GW’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) team serves students and engages the entire GW community, working to build a culture of support and connection with student well-being. The CAPS team supports mental health and personal development by collaborating directly with students to overcome challenges and difficulties that may interfere with academic, emotional, and personal success. The counselors provide a safe, non-judgmental and confidential environment for students to discuss concerns and are committed to respecting and promoting the value of diversity at the university, as well as providing culturally sensitive counseling and psychological services to the GW community. For additional information, visit the Counseling and Psychological Services website.

Mistreatment Policy

The School of Medicine and Health Sciences is committed to maintaining a positive environment for study and training, in which individuals are judged solely on relevant factors such as ability and performance and can pursue their educational and professional activities in an atmosphere that is inclusive, respectful and safe. The Code of Conduct in the Learning Environment establishes the expectations of faculty, residents, students, other health professionals, and staff in the learning environment. If a student believes they have been mistreated they should report this to the Office of Professional and Respectful Learning as outlined in the Mistreatment Policy and Procedures. Students may also choose from several resources for consultation including faculty and the designated student Ombudsperson. The Health Sciences Student Ombudsperson can be contacted Ombudsperson_HS [at] gwu [dot] edu (Ombudsperson_HS[at]gwu[dot]edu).

Title IX: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, Domestic and Dating Violence, and Stalking

The George Washington University and its faculty are committed to creating a safe and open learning environment for all students. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment, including sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, or stalking, please know that help and support are available. GW strongly encourages all members of the community to take action, seek support, and report incidents of sexual harassment to the Title IX Office. You may contact the Title IX Office at 202-994-7434 or at titleix [at] gwu [dot] edu (titleix[at]gwu[dot]edu) or learn more by visiting titleix.gwu.edu. Be aware that faculty members are required to disclose information about suspected or alleged sexual harassment or other potential violations of the Title IX Sexual Harassment and Related Conduct Policy to the Title IX Office. If the Title IX Office receives information about an incident, they will reach out to offer information about resources, rights, and procedural options as a member of the campus community. Community members are not required to respond to this outreach. If you wish to speak to a confidential resource who does not have this reporting responsibility, please contact Counseling and Psychological Services 24/7 at 202-994-5300, or the Office of Advocacy and Support at 202-994-0443 or at oas [at] gwu [dot] edu (oas[at]gwu[dot]edu).

GW On-Campus Emergency Information

GW Emergency Services: 202-994-6111
For situation-specific instructions, refer to GW’s Emergency Response Handbook.  

GW Alert

GW Alert is an emergency notification system that sends alerts to the GW community. GW requests students, faculty, and staff maintain current contact information by logging on to alert.gwu.edu. Alerts are sent via email, text, social media, and other means, including the Guardian app. The Guardian app is a safety app that allows you to communicate quickly with GW Emergency Services, 911, and other resources.  Learn more at safety.gwu.edu.

Protective Actions 

GW prescribes four protective actions that can be issued by university officials depending on the type of emergency. All GW community members are expected to follow directions according to the specified protective action. The protective actions are Shelter, Evacuate, Secure, and Lockdown (details below). Learn more at safety.gwu.edu/gw-standard-emergency-statuses.

Shelter

• Protection from a specific hazard
• The hazard could be a tornado, earthquake, hazardous material spill, or other environmental emergency.
• Specific safety guidance will be shared on a case-by-case basis.

Action: 

• Follow safety guidance for the hazard.

Evacuate

• Need to move people from one location to another.
• Students and staff should be prepared to follow specific instructions given by first responders and University officials.

Action:

• Evacuate to a designated location.
• Leave belongings behind.
• Follow additional instructions from first responders.

Secure

• Threat or hazard outside of buildings or around campus.
• Increased security, secured building perimeter, increased situational awareness, and restricted access to entry doors.

Action:

• Go inside and stay inside.
• Activities inside may continue.

Lockdown

• Threat or hazard with the potential to impact individuals inside buildings.
• Room-based protocol that requires locking interior doors, turning off lights, and staying out of sight of corridor window.

Action:

• Locks, lights, out of sight
• Consider Run, Hide, Fight